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Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA - An introduction

The uniqueness of Hindu Dharma and the culture as practiced by the Hindu community has a significant contribution to make for the benefit of humanity. It is therefore essential for Hindus living in America to develop unity and harmony in their community to effectively promote these salient features. There are around two million Hindus in the US. Their contributions to the economic, social and cultural life is widely acclaimed.

Introduction

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) USA is a voluntary, non-profit, social and cultural organization(1). Sangh, as the organization is popularly known, aims to organize the Hindu community in order to preserve, practice and promote Hindu ideals and values. HSS conducts structured programs of regular athletic and academic activities to develop strong character and leadership skills in its members (known as swayamsevaks for men and sevikas for women), emphasizing values such as self-discipline, self-confidence and a spirit of selfless service (seva) for humanity. We encourage maintaining Hindu cultural identity in harmony with the larger community.

Sangh is inspired by the idea that the whole world is one family and conducts activities across the United States in order to spread this message widely. Sangh in the United States started in 1989 and today has over 140 weekly meeting centers (shakhas) across the country.

Shakha Activities

Each chapter of HSS is known as Shakha - a weekly program for the entire family. While the kids enjoy learning in the balagokulam, youth and adults also participate in activities such as games, songs, discussions, and lectures on Hindu culture. We strongly emphasize the physical, intellectual and spiritual growth of each individual and also promote a sense of discipline.

Yoga

In order to promote spiritual growth, a sense of unity with the environment and general well being, yoga is an important part of the shakha program.

Games

There are a variety of games, including kabaddi and kho-kho, that are played in shakha. The games enhance our ability to work as a team, our stamina, our physical strength or even our strategic skills. These games bring about a spirit of cooperation and create a light, free atmosphere in shakha.

Balagokulam

Children's program in the shakha is called Balagokulam. In the Balagokulams, children learn about their Hindu heritage. They have fun playing games with the other kids. A strong emphasis is also laid on developing leadership qualities and becoming confident representatives of Hindu Dharma.

A well-structured syllabus for different age groups is used at the Balagokulams. In addition, a detailed teacher's training guide has been prepared which can be used by adults that are interested in conducting Balagokulams in their local community.

Balagokulam Magazine

As part of the Balagokulam activities, HSS publishes a quarterly magazine where children contribute much of the content. The magazine includes articles, poems, paintings, crossword puzzles, stories, and plenty more! Each age group has a contest for each section, and a team of volunteers picks the best items to publish. The magazine does an extraordinary job of informing children about our Hindu heritage in a language that they can understand.

If you have children or know of any kids who are interested in getting their work published in the Balagokulam magazine, have them visit the Balagokulam website and register for the contest!

Within two years of its launch, the magazine has more than 2500 subscribers which speak of its popularity among the kids. International subscriptions are available in the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

Intellectual Activities

Bouddhik includes lectures, interactive workshops, discussions, songs(geet) and seminars which enhance intellectual development while helping to increase cultural awareness and improve communication skills.

Our Vision

A progressive and dynamic Hindu society that can deal with its internal and external challenges, and contribute to the welfare of the whole world.

Sangh is of all of us. No cast has any superiority, no individual has any superiority, no one's place has any superiority.

Dr. K.B. Hedgewar

Balagokulam

Balagokulam is a forum for children to discover and manifest that divinity. Balagokulam will enable Hindu children in US to appreciate their cultural roots, learn Hindu values in an enjoyable manner and make good friends.

They will also develop a sense of Sewa, Service to humankind. This is a program of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), whose goal it is to promote Hindu heritage and to unite the Hindu society.

Hindu Yuva

Hindu YUVA aims to provide a platform to preserve, practice, promote and protect Hindu Dharma by bringing together Hindu youth across college campuses in United States.

A great deal of responsibility today lies on the shoulders of young Hindu Americans. A responsibility to share the culture & its universal values with the wider audience. A responsibility to preserve the meaning, understanding, & the practice of the culture for the generations to come.

Seva Activities

SEWA IS OUR DUTY . Sewa is a means. It is not an end in itself. Sewa is the ideal way to express unconditional love for God and his creation. The uniqueness of Hindu Dharma and the culture as practiced by the Hindu community has a significant contribution to make for the benefit of humanity.

It is therefore essential for Hindus living in America to develop unity and harmony in their community to effectively promote these salient features.

ABOUT HSS

It is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) non profit organization registered in New Jersey.